Financial/Banking

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Label-lovers aside, designer shoes -- even discounted designer shoes -- are considered discretionary items by most consumers, and the fact that DSW had such a strong quarter is indeed a good sign that the middle-income consumer is feeling more confident about her economic situation.

Columbus, Ohio -- DSW has announced net income of $18.5 million on net sales of $468.5 million for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 29, compared with net income of $13.4 million on net sales of $402.6 million for the quarter ended Jan. 30, 2010. Same-store sales increased 14.9% for the comparable period versus an increase of 12.9% last year. 

Diluted earnings per share were 41 cents for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with diluted earnings per share of 30 cents last year.

WASHINGTON -- The National Retail Federation said legislation introduced today to delay swipe fee reform scheduled to go into effect this summer would block retailers from giving discounts to consumers who use debit cards and would cost merchants and the public more than $1 billion per month.

Arlington, Va. -- In response to legislation introduced on Tuesday by Montana senator Jon Tester to reopen critical reforms of the debit payments market, the Retail Industry Leaders Association issued the following statement:

“Despite the American people’s repeated disapproval of bank bailouts, the Tester bill is just that, this time at the expense of retailers and their consumers,” said Katherine Lugar, executive VP for public affairs, RILA.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods on Monday announced that its EVP and CFO, Timothy McLevish, will leave the company in mid-2011.

McLevish, who served as EVP and CFO for Kraft since 2007, will shift his CFO responsibilities to EVP operations David Brearton. Prior to his exit, McLevish will report the company's first-quarter financial results.

MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Family Dollar today showed why dollar stores are such a hot commodity right now by reporting a comparable-store sales increase of 5.1% for the second quarter ended Feb. 26. Net sales for the quarter increased 8.3% to $2.26 billion from $2.09 billion last year. According to the company warmer weathr earlier in the year as well as strong performance in its consumable and seasonal categories helped drive sales. 

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar today showed why dollar stores are such a hot commodity right now by reporting a comparable-store sales increase of 5.1% for the second quarter ended Feb. 26. Net sales for the quarter increased 8.3% to $2.26 billion, from $2.09 billion last year. According to the company warmer weathr earlier in the year as well as strong performance in its consumable and seasonal categories helped drive sales.

New York City -- A Manhattan bankruptcy judge on Thursday has cleared the path for Blockbuster to sell itself to a group of hedge funds, preventing the movie rental chain from having to liquidate its assets.

Judge Burton R. Lifland has approved procedures for the auction of Blockbuster, with a $290 million initial offer from a group of senior bondholders led by hedge fund Monarch Alternative Capital.